Joel Ledford Receives 2024 ASUCD Excellence in Teaching Award
Students recognize Ledford for positivity, ingenuity and compassion
Joel Ledford, an associate professor of teaching in the Department of Plant Biology, has received the 2024 Excellence in Teaching Award from the Associated Students, University of California, Davis (ASUCD). The annual award celebrates teaching faculty for their dedication to students and undergraduate education.
“Getting an award like this from students means a lot to me,” Ledford said. “It’s an inspiring thing, and it makes you want to be a better teacher.”
In nominating Ledford, one student said that “his commitment to teaching is one of the greatest I've seen here at UC Davis so far. He brings a positive energy and engages everyone.” Another student noted that Ledford is “very organized, understanding, and clear in explaining difficult concepts, and he knows what students should focus on and what to ignore.”
"Joel is an outstanding colleague, a dedicated instructor and cares deeply about the success of his students,” said Savithramma Dinesh-Kumar, a professor and chair in the Department of Plant Biology. “I am delighted that he is receiving the 2024 ASUCD Excellence in Education Award. It is a well-deserved recognition of a deeply committed teacher and mentor."
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